Nicaragua: The People

Feb 16, 2012

. . . part two of my three day series on my medical mission trip to Nicaragua (see part one here)

The people of Nicaragua made a huge impact on me while we were there.

The precious faces, the beautiful smiles, and the dark hair, eyes, and gorgeous skin.

We came across people from all parts of the country, but one child in particular that stood out to me was this kid from the city.

While we were visiting the downtown market one day, this confident little man just stepped right up, casually leaned on the wall, and tried his best to get some business to his dad's shop.

Adorable.

This was another little business man we ran into, but I don't believe he was too happy about being forced to make friendship bracelets all day.

I had to buy one from him though, he was too sweet!

Some of the sweetest children were ones we met during the Vacation Bible Study.

Claudita loved my sunglasses

Look at that tummy!

We saw these kiddos on our first day at the beach.

Hah, look at this little poor Nicaraguan child we found!

(Jk, it's Mr. George, the nurse anethesist)

The children from "The Dump" were the ones who I will most definitely never forget.

"The Dump" is a casual term that ultimately stuck describing the little village near a landfill.

The people formerly lived off the trash from the landfill, until the Christian ministry in Nicaragua, with the help of a few churches in America, began to collect money with the "Feed the Children" offering.

This money helps provide lunch for the children of the dump.

The utter joy on these precious faces after receiving anything from us was priceless.

I will never forget that feeling.

They were appreciative of everything we had to offer, whether it was food or clothing, or even something as simple as a conversation or a hug.

Happiness is so relative.

Many of these kids were overjoyed about owning one single dress, which was probably their first dress to ever own.

. . . and here we are, owning much more dresses than we even need, and getting mad when we can't get that one piece of clothing that we are "dyyyyying to have" when you know you truly don't need it.

I could go on for days about how easy it is to take our blessings for granted, and I am 100% guilty of that.

Think about how often you may look at yourself in the mirror.

One of the most suprising things to me was that the children were stunned to be able to see themselves. They soon learned how digital cameras worked and figured out that they could see themselves on the screens.

For many of them, this was the first time ever for them to see what they looked like.

I just ask you to take a second to put yourself in these children's position.

Thank God for everything you have been given, and then say a little prayer for all of the children around the world who have to go without the common everyday things we are so accustomed to.

clean water. a warn bed. new, clean clothing. warm food. shoes.

I don't recall a single child from The Dump wearing shoes.

Could you imagine?

P.S. There is a sponsorship program available where you can help pay for a child's tuition for a year, as well as his or her school uniform and school supplies.

It is a great (legitimate) program, and if you are interested please e-mail me, and I'll get you in touch with the right people!